Redrow zones in to support young people in north Manchester

A youth centre in North Manchester has received a huge boost with a second donation of £25,000 from Redrow.

The Factory Youth Zone in Rochdale Road, Harpurhey, has been awarded £25,000 a year for three years by The Redrow Foundation.

The second instalment was made when Claire Jarvis and Keith Collard from Redrow Homes (Lancashire) visited the centre to find out more about its facilities and services and how the funding is being used.

Claire, sales director for Redrow Homes (Lancashire), said:

“The Factory Youth Zone provides an excellent facility for the young people of North Manchester and we are only too happy to help support its good work. It was a pleasure to visit the centre and see first-hand the activities available. We hope that the children of our homeowners in the area will be frequent visitors to The Factory Youth Zone as it’s only a short journey away from our Hanson Gardens, Kenyon Gardens and Woodville Gardens developments.”

The Factory Youth Zone has more than 2,200 registered members with an average weekly attendance of 1,300.

A range of services and activities are offered including mentoring, an employability programme to prepare young people for work, sports, expressive and creative arts.

Funding from the Redrow Foundation has enabled the centre to develop an inclusion group for those with additional needs.

“Over the last year we’ve welcomed almost 150 young people with additional needs to The Factory Youth Zone. Their needs have included behavioural issues, physical disabilities and learning differences, but with the support of specially trained staff they have been able to integrate with other young people and enjoy all the regular sessions we offer.

“Thanks to The Redrow Foundation they have taken part in a variety of activities including art, karaoke, cooking and baking sessions, and various sports. We’re grateful for the generous ongoing support from The Redrow Foundation as it means we can continue to provide support services and inspirational facilities to the young people of North Manchester.”

To find out more about The Factory Youth Zone and the support and activities available, visit the website www.thefactoryyz.org.